Fran Healy: my heroes and heroines

The Travis frontman on the people who inspire him.

Tacita is a brilliant artist who is single-handedly trying to save the medium of film. She’s terribly unassuming yet incredibly knowledgeable and obsessed with her cause. It’s inspiring to be around.

Bob Geldof

I admire Bob’sunbridled passion and ambition. When I worked with him on Live Aid he was every bit as cool and in-your-face as you’d imagine. Calling Bob is like using the Bat Phone: you only do it if you need a pep talk about something super important.

Gerry is the best art teacher in Scotland – the type who lights a fire underneath young people. I was lucky enough to have him teach me on an art course and he’s been a friend ever since. He helped me write my first song.

Joni Mitchell

A woman in a male-dominated world, Joniran rings around everyone else. I discovered her when I was 17 – something about her songs really touched me. Blue is the ultimate break-up record.

Wim Wenders

Wim’s films have massively influenced me; we named Travis after a character in Paris Texas, and Wings of Desire is the reason I live in Berlin. I feel a huge connection with his characters. I met him recently and was so star-struck.